A retired geography teacher was humbled to find himself at the centre of attention as he was named Anstruther Citizen of the Year.
George Findlay, 59, was delighted to accept the prestigious accolade at a ceremony in the Burgh Chambers after a raft of nominations were submitted to the local Community Council.
A well-known face in the East Neuk, Mr Findlay was educated at Waid Academy, Dundee College and St Andrews University and went on to become principal teacher of geography at Glenwood High School in Glenrothes for around 17 years.
However, he is perhaps best known for his love of running and was instrumental in setting up the Anster Haddies running club, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2014.
Mr Findlay, coach and club development officer, provides running and athletics classes for juniors of primary and early secondary age at Waid Community Use School and gives advice to after-school running groups in the Waid cluster primaries.
He is involved in the Anster All-sorts, which encourages more casual runners to keep fit and active, and also devotes some of his time to his involvement in local theatre productions.
And it’s clear his love for running has not diminished over the years either, as he is preparing to run his 16th marathon in Edinburgh in May to raise funds for the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) Association.
East Neuk and landward councillor Elizabeth Riches said the award was fully deserved.
“I know he’s done a huge amount for the Anster Haddies in particular and his contribution in terms of coaching people and encouraging people who aren’t runners to take part is really, really huge,” she said.
Nominators praised Mr Findlay, who is from Cellardyke and is now living in Anstruther, and friends and family gathered to celebrate his efforts.
One said: “Being a part of a running club may not be a big deal, but I would like to point out that George volunteered to start, lead, and participate in the club 25 years ago and still continues to lead the weekly workouts.
“Apart from the social elements of the running club, the Anster Haddies host a number of running events in the town throughout the year.
“These events attract runners from all over Scotland to come to the area and compete, to eat, to drink and to provide important tourism for the town.
Another nominator added: “George very much contributes to the fitness, health and wellbeing of the East Neuk.
“He does this on a voluntary basis and it would be wonderful if his efforts were publicly recognised.”